North, William (1755-1836) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03796 Author/Creator: North, William (1755-1836) Place Written: Albany, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 February 1788 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 33 x 21.3 cm. Order a Copy
Notes that he received correspondence from Knox. Writes, "...before I opened it repaired to a club which is established here for hearing news, smoking tobacco, & drinking grogg. As there were antifederalists in this body, I thought the paragraphs in you letter respecting Sam Adams might be read with good effect..." Relates that he had hoped Massachusetts would ratify the Constitution by a greater majority. Reports that Anti-Federalists in New York are preparing for the New York ratification convention. Complains that Governor George Clinton "fills up every post with vagabonds... the Centinel... and other publications against the Constitution are scattered all over the County, while the federalist remains at New York, & not a single piece (of which there are many more intelligible to the common people) is sent abroad." Though the docket dates this letter to February 13, 1787, the content clearly indicates that the year is 1788.
Major William North was an aide-de-camp to Major General Baron Steuben during the Revolutionary War and was appointed Inspector of the Army in 1784.
[draft]
Dear General,
I received your favour this evening & before I opened it, repaired to a club which is established here for hearing news, smoking tobacco, & drinking grogg. As there were antifederalists in this body, I thought the paragraphs in your letter respecting Sam Adams might be read with good effect - accordingly I gave to them with a little [addition] - last Sunday an express arrived here with the intelligence that Massachusetts had adopted the Constitution with a majority of 19, I confess I had greater hopes.
Last night the Antifedsts met here & appointed a Committee to manage the election for convention - they use every art, & strain every nerve to gain them points - & if the Federalists do not exert themselves (which they never have done, nor ever will do sufficiently) they will be beaten. The Governor fills up [2] every post with vagabonds - gentlemen complain of him, but will not join against him. The centinel, the farmers letters, & [strikeout] every other publications against the Constitution are scattered all over the County, while the federalist remains at New York, & not a single [piece] (of which there are many more inteligible to the common people) is sent abroad.
Adieu my general,
believe me to be your friend
& Servt
Wm North
[address leaf]
The Honorable
The Secretary of the United States
for the Department of War.
[docket]
Major North
Albany 13 Feby 1787
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